Board examines proposed site for new bus station

JAKARTA (JP): New estimates on the cost of relocating the overcrowded Pulogadung bus terminal in East Jakarta reveal that the city administration could save Rp 12 billion (US$12.8 million) if it chooses to relocate the terminal to land owned by the state housing company PT Perumnas, instead of an alternative site owned by members of the public, an official said on Tuesday.

"We are still examining the proposed locations," said deputy of the City Development Planning Board Rusdi Yusuf.

Rusdi said that the city administration had allocated Rp 40 billion towards land purchase for the project.

There are two proposed plots of land that could accommodate the new bus terminal. The first one measures 7.8 hectares, while the other one, owned by PT Perumnas, is 10 hectares. Both are located in Pulogebang in East Jakarta.

The plan to relocate the terminal, designed to service Jakarta commuters and intercity passengers, was initially made in 1987. It was first managed by private contractors PT Rodiol Eron, but in 1997 the company claimed that they could no longer afford to finance the project.

The city administration then took over the project and planned to build the terminal using its own resources.

The project is scheduled to be completed by 2002.

Despite problems which have beset the project, it is still considered vital in order to reduce traffic congestion in the immediate area and improve facilities for the general public.

Rusdi said that at least 8-hectares of land is needed for the construction of a new terminal to help alleviate the continued growth of vehicle use in the capital.

"The (newly proposed) site is strategically situated near the Cakung Utara outer ring road and a train station, which provides easy access and links to reach other areas," Rusdi said.

It is located about 5.5 kilometers from the current Pulogadung terminal, which stands on a 3.3 hectare plot of land.

"We hope the new bus terminal will trigger investment and boost business activity in the area," Rusdi said.

Thousands of buses use the Pulogadung terminal every day. It's traffic levels usually peak on major holidays, such as Idul Fitri. (07)